France French Foreign Legion Maitre-Chien

[Craig]

I recently purchased this badge described as belonging to a Maitre-Chien ( Dog Handler ) of the French Foreign Legion. I have seen plenty of the badges for sale and some discussion on legion forums concerning the use of dogs for security and on combat operations but I can find no photos of it in wear.

My questions are.

1. Is it a true legion badge

2. How would it be worn

3. Is there different designs or colour concerning rank of the handler.

4. Are there any photos out there in wear.

If you can excuse the pun I hope I haven't bought a pup!

Craig

[paul wood]

http://theswatshop.com/page09.htm

Has similar pieces in all 3 classes.

Paul

[Craig]

Paul,

Any ideas what the Classes are Private, corporal, Sergeant?

Craig

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi

I will ask a few friends, I have seen them, but not in wear as far as i can remember.

I dont think they are legion, but maybe standard army badges worn by the legion as well.

Will get back to you tonight...

[paul wood]

Paul,

Any ideas what the Classes are Private, corporal, Sergeant?

Craig

No information given I am afraid.

Paul

[Chris Boonzaier]

The Three grades are for CTE, CT1, CT2... which usually, (but not always) correspond to the level of training of Cpl, Sgt and Sgt Chef.

Its not always the case as some specialists have the higher grade without the Rank.

It is indeed a dog handler, for the whole army, the training used to be in the camp at Suippes by the 132e GCAT, not the 132e BCAT.

Good to know that, the camp at Suippes is also a very famous battlefield, I had been wondering if anyone would notice if I just wandered in for a look... i will give it a skip...

In the legion it was only the REP that had a dog section, but with the increased use of dogs over the last 10 years or so, there may now be more dog units, maybe the engineers...

[Craig]

Cheers Chris,

where is it worn on a beret or lanyard?

[Chris Boonzaier]

If it was a regular army dog handler, on the right chest, for someone with Para wings, on the left Pocket under the Ribbon bar.

Best

Chris

[Craig]

Cheers Chris,

I will attempt to get the other 2 and hopefully a photo. Would I be correct in Sgt Chef being gold Sgt Silver and Cpl Bronze?

craig

[Chris Boonzaier]

Yeah,

But sometimes these grades are independant of rank.

The Firm I am joining has a guy who was a Legion Dog handler, I will hit him up for the details, Will probably be beginning of next month though before I see him.

[Craig]

Chris,

Tell him I may have swaps for him.

Craig

[Chris Boonzaier]

He is retired, I dont think he needs any ;-)